Police to interview minister Paul Chan Mo-po over beer before driving
Police will question Paul Chan Mo-po over claim he had a drink, then broke traffic laws
Police have launched a probe after Development Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po was accused of driving soon after drinking beer at a family lunch in Happy Valley on Tuesday.
The case is being classified as a "request for police investigation" and officers from a traffic unit are looking into it, according to a police source.
, with accompanying photos of the scene, claimed Chan drank a 500ml glass of beer during lunch with his family on Tuesday, before driving away. The newspaper also alleged that Chan broke traffic regulations by crossing the double white lines in the road.
Chan's press secretary said on Tuesday night that Chan had driven after consuming alcohol at lunch, but added he was confident he was not drink-driving.
The development chief said in a statement yesterday afternoon that he had "actively contacted" the traffic police.
The source confirmed that Chan called the Hong Kong Island traffic unit's report room yesterday morning, saying Chan requested an investigation in response to the report.
The police source said officers would arrange an interview with Chan and take a statement.
According to the source, it is unlikely that Chan will face drink-driving charges due to the lack of a breathalyser test, but he could still face legal consequences for crossing a double white line.
"But we will look into everything and seek legal advice from the Department of Justice before a decision is made," the source said, adding they would also contact
Lawyers Albert Luk Wai-hung and Ronny Tong Ka-wah SC agreed that it would be "impossible" to lay charges against Chan related to drink-driving, but said his behaviour set a bad example.
